Mission Statement:

As a part of the Continuing Education and Workforce Services (CEWS) at DSLCC, the Forest Management Technology Program is a student-learning centered program dedicated to delivering excellence in instruction through experiential learning for aspiring technicians in forestry and forestry related natural resources professions. The AAS degree in Forest Management Technology is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Upon completion of this terminal degree, students are eligible to work as a forest technician for government agencies, non-profit organizations, forest industries, and other employment sectors related to the forestry profession. Graduates may also choose to transfer to a four year institution to continue their education.

Vision Statement:

DSLCC is the premier source of forestry and natural resource employees for government agencies, businesses and other organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond by offering terminal degrees and coursework specializing in forest management technology, geographic information systems, wood products, and urban forestry. DSLCC graduates are well equipped to transfer to a four year institution if they desire to further their education.

Program Goals and Objectives:

Able to identify and describe silvics of a variety of economically important tree species. Understand how forest communities interact and the importance of many exotic invasive species.

Performs well as a timber cruiser estimating acreage, tree volume in cords, board feet, and cubic feet by commonly used cruise methods in a variety of different forest types.

Able to utilize GPS for acreage calculations, stand delineation, timber cruising, and other important mapping applications.

Ability to utilize GIS as a decision making tool in managing a forested area. Able to digitize and import GPS data for overlay on topographic maps and DOQQs. Able to access several different types of data available on the internet and utilize the data to communicate information and make decisions.

Demonstrate a variety of skills in wildfire control and a knowledge of fire behavior. Able to meet all academic requirements for interagency wildfire fire fighting certification in S-130, S-190 and ICS-100.

Exhibits skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be certified by the State of Virginia as a pesticide applicator.

Demonstrates the basic skills needed for harvesting and logging timber by participating in an actual harvesting operation over a 15-week period. Performs well as a heavy equipment operator or a crew foreman. Demonstrates an understanding of basic small engine repair and maintenance. Able to manage logging operations and comply with state and federal regulations regarding timber harvesting practices.

Displays a basic knowledge of silvicultural treatments commonly applied in eastern forests for the management of a timber resource. Understands the options available for private and public landownership.

Demonstrate basic knowledge of forest management planning on small tracts which includes the understanding of issues private non-industrial forest landowners must face in Virginia.

Performs well in sawmill operations and can work as a scaler, yard foreman, lumber grader, sawyer, or other related jobs. Develops an understanding of the process of timber estimation, harvesting, scaling, sawing, and finally tally count, from start to finish.